Mike Hanin’s practice focuses on complex commercial litigation in state and federal courts and in proceedings involving the Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice. His practice includes advising investment funds on potential litigation and other issues relating to their investments, particularly with respect to complex financial products, securitizations, financing, securities, real estate and accounting. Mike is counsel of record to multiple investment funds – including Waterfall Asset Management, Serengeti Asset Management, One Williams Street Capital, and Deer Park Road Corporation -- in ongoing public litigation relating to commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities, CDOs, CLOs, and other structured products.

Recently, Mike has been recognized on theBenchmark Litigation Under 40 Hot List. Mike was recognized as a Rising Star by theNew York Law Journal, making him one of only 50 attorneys selected by a panel of 24 esteemed judges. Mike has also been recognized in New York Metro Super Lawyers, and was named a Rising Star byLaw360in the banking practice area, making him one of five attorneys (and the only litigator) selected in this area, and one of only 163 attorneys nationwide.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”), as conservator for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, in several actions in federal and state courts against numerous financial institutions arising out of defendants’ misrepresentations concerning residential mortgage-backed securities sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In 2014, after completing discovery, prevailing on several critical pre-trial rulings and setting the case for trial, FHFA settled its action against Morgan Stanley for $1.25 billion.

A group of investment companies in an interpleader action arising out a junior noteholder’s attempt to purchase CMBS from a CDO.

A leading investment company in an action against a Trustee and Sponsor arising out of the termination of a CDO.

A leading financial institution in an adversary proceeding against FriendFinder Networks, Inc. for failure to pay advisory fees.

A leading financial institution in an action against AIG concerning collateralization obligations under cross-border lease transactions.

A leading financial institution in class and individual securities actions arising out of the demise of Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc.

A leading financial institution in multiple disputes arising out of the termination of guaranteed investment contracts tied to municipal bond offerings.

A foreign broker-dealer in an adversary proceeding brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the successful appeal of the SEC's decision to the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

A leading investment company in an action against affiliates of the Reserve International Liquidity Fund, a $3.5 billion money-market mutual fund that "broke the buck."

Media

Kasowitz has been recognized by Law360 as a 2016 “Banking Group of the Year.” The recognition was awarded to “the law firms that racked up victories in litigation and closed the big deals to make their mark among clients and throughout the legal industry.”